As a "Sin" stock , Diageo should prove pretty defensive through the economic downturn. Many of its products (e.g. Johnny Walker) may  suffer from some trading down, as consumer continue to drink but drink less expensive products than the Diageo brands but underlying sales grew by 6 percent in its July-September first quarter after an 8 percent sales rise in its previous financial year to June 2008. Chief Executive Paul Walsh said despite the recent turmoil on financial markets the group had not seen any significant adverse changes in its markets. Diageo also has great margins and offers a good dividend. One to have in the portfolio, in my view.

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLE4879720081015

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